Verizon is trying ensure race fans can use their phones whenever they want

Verizon is bringing "some of the technology it pioneered" at the '12 Super Bowl and this year’s Kentucky Derby to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which will offer the company an "extreme test" of its Distributed Antenna System, according to Anthony Schoettle of the INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL. Verizon VP/Network Lynn Ramsey said, "We think with the system we’ve installed over the last year, we’re ready." Company execs said that with the addition of "more than 200 antennas (Verizon had 29 at the Speedway last year) and a system carrying signals over fiber optic cables from a base station through managed hubs and out to remote antennas, Verizon has quadrupled its capacity." Verizon is "even trying to make sure race fans in adjacent parking and camping areas can use their phones whenever they want." If there is a "problem on Pole Day, Carb Day or race day and customers tweet out a problem using Verizon in the tweet, they shouldn’t be surprised to get a visit from a Verizon technician." The system "should help power Verizon’s new IndyCar 14 app." Ramsey said that IMS "is far more challenging to outfit than other sporting venues." Schoettle: "Unfortunately, the system will only help Verizon customers." Verizon officials said that it is "possible ... that in the future other carriers could use Verizon’s system" (IBJ.com, 5/14).